Minister Opens National Fitness Inclusion Games Celebrating Ability

More than 160 people with physical disabilities from across Ireland have come together today (Thursday, May 7th) for the Fitness Inclusion Games, a national showcase of inclusive fitness and a growing movement to break down barriers to health and wellbeing.

Hosted by IWA at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena, the Games feature a series of high-energy, adapted team challenges testing strength and endurance inspired by formats such as CrossFit and Hyrox but designed to be fully inclusive.

Now in its second year, the event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing gyms, training and sport spaces but also showcases the possibilities when barriers are removed.

 Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins, who attended the Games today, said:

“The Fitness Inclusion Games are a powerful example of what can be achieved when inclusion is prioritised in sport and physical activity. Events like this showcase talent, determination and community spirit of the athletes involved and their support network of IWA staff and gym coaches. It highlights the importance of continuing to think inclusion first and to strive as a society for accessible opportunities so that everyone can participate fully in active life.”

The Games are part of IWA’s broader Fitness Inclusion Project, which has grown from a small pilot in Drogheda in 2022 into a national initiative, with programmes now running in locations including Navan, Tipperary, Galway and across Dublin.

Declan Hamilton of IWA said: “What we’re seeing today is the result of a movement that is growing across the country. These athletes are not just taking part, they are pushing boundaries, building confidence and showing what’s possible when barriers are removed.

The demand for inclusive fitness is there, and we hope to grow the programme with support. IWA wants to ensure people with disabilities can participate fully in their communities.”

CEO of IWA, Ann Marie O’Grady, congratulated athletes on their achievements, highlighting the powerful role they play in making disability and inclusion visible. She added that they were “living proof” of what Kofi Annan once said: “Sport is a universal language, building bridges, tearing down walls and fostering hope.”

For many participants, the impact extends far beyond the competition floor.

Among them will be June Elliott from Rathkenny, Navan who explained that being a wheelchair user she never thought she would ever be in a gym training.

“When IWA asked me to join the Fitness Inclusion Project, I thought they were joking.  I was thinking what would I be able to do. But I use the weights and the bands, and I am already seeing a big difference since I started over a year ago,” she said.

“I am able to do things that I never thought I’d be able to do like holding a laptop. That is a big thing for me.  I find I am not coughing as much as I use to during the day. I like that it is making me fitter.”

Nathan Doherty of Dundalk attributes the project to helping rebuild his fitness and his confidence, three years after losing his leg. 

“I started the Fitness Inclusion just before Christmas,” he said. “I go to SKF in Dundalk and it is really good. The coach there, Hannah, does something different with us every week. I really enjoy it.”

The Fitness Inclusion Games underline the vital role of inclusion in society so that people with disabilities can enjoy all aspects of life, be it improving physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection and the importance of making these opportunities accessible to all.